Keraia
Numbers 3

Numbers 3:31

The Kohathites · Numbers 3:27–32
Read Numbers 3

Translations

Modern
Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.
Traditional
And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
Literal
And their duty was the ark, and the table, and the lampstand, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary in which they ministered, and the screen, and all its service.
Latin
…et custodient arcam, mensamque et candelabrum, altaria et vasa sanctuarii, in quibus ministratur, et velum, cunctamque hujuscemodi supellectilem.

Original

Hebrew
English
Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

Notes

Numbers 3:27–32

Aaron and Moses, sons of Amram, were descendants of Kohath (see Exodus 6:18, 20, 26). They were caretakers of the Most Holy Place and its very holy furnishings (described in Numbers 3–4). The Kohathites were the most respected of the three clans.

Numbers 3:14–39

  • This first phase of a two-part registration of the tribe of Levi summarized each family's special duties. 4:1–33 describes this in more detail (see 4:34–49 for the second phase). This count did not relate to military duties, so it included male Levites from the age of one month (3:40–41).

  • Three family groups descend from the three sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. These clans, often called the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites, later inherited the "cities of refuge" (Joshua 21). They also had various important roles in the Jerusalem temple (2 Chronicles 29:3–17).

Numbers 3:1–4:49

Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.

Parallels

Numbers 4:1–20 1 Chronicles 23:12–20

Glossary

Amram Ark of the Covenant Biblical Concept of Law Census Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy Kohath, Kohathites Merari, Merarite Numbers, Book of Tabernacle

Topics

Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Carried by Kohathites Census: The Numbering of Israel by Moses Levites: Enrollment of, at Mount Sinai Levites: Functions of had Charge of the Tabernacle in the Encampments and on the March Levites: Place of, in Encampments and the March Levites: The Remaining Families Appointed to Take Charge of the Ark of the Covenant